Malaysia Business & Trade: Malaysia launched a RM185m RDICE programme to boost advanced packaging for semiconductors, aiming to capture 7% of the global market, with five local firms partnering universities and research groups. ASEAN Energy Integration: Sarawak Energy is pushing the ASEAN Power Grid by strengthening the Borneo electricity network, including power exports to Kalimantan and Sabah and talks on links with Brunei, plus plans for a Sarawak–Singapore subsea cable. EU Financial Rules: The EU’s Retail Investment Strategy is set to reshape how retail brokers operate, tightening fee and advertising expectations and shifting accountability toward firms. US Sanctions & Conflict Minerals: The US sanctioned Rwandan mining entities and executives accused of smuggling DRC minerals to fund the M23 rebel group, targeting the financial networks behind armed violence. SME Finance Tools: Maryland expanded its Community Business Compass database to list 2,500+ funding and support programmes for entrepreneurs. AI for Commerce & Legal Work: India’s Crenny raised ₹5 crore for AI-powered digital commerce infrastructure, while US firms are moving AI contract review from pilots into day-to-day operations. Local Business Impact: A fire destroyed three kiosks at Kuala Lumpur’s Petaling Street Market; in India, Bhiwandi’s civic body gave food businesses an eight-day deadline to submit licences after a poisoning incident. Logistics Orders: India’s Jupiter Wagons won orders worth about Rs. 264 crore for freight wagons from JSW South Rail Logistics and Central Warehousing Corporation.